by JuliannaKunstler.com
Create a design using only simple shapes, lines, or grids.
Manipulate the patterns to create an illusion of a 3D space
Op-art, also known as optical art, is used to describe some paintings and other works of art which use optical illusions.
Op art works are abstract, with many of the better known pieces made in only black and white. When the viewer looks at them, the impression is given of movement, hidden images, flashing and vibration, patterns, or alternatively, of swelling or warping.
A true Op Art piece “teases” the eye. Straight lines may appear curved, lines wriggle, flat areas undulate. The eye is tricked into seeing things which are not so. Areas may appear to be flattened or stretched. The eye may often be unable to focus when viewing an Op Art piece.
In the mid-20th century, artists such as Victor Vasarely, Bridget Riley and M.C. Escher experimented with Optical Art. Escher's work, although not abstract, deals extensively with various forms of visual tricks and paradoxes.
Use a ruler and a pencil/pen.
Refresh your Linear Perspective skills.
1. Use existing Horizon line and a Vanishing point to draw railroad tracks.
2. Use the same Linear Perspective approach to create an illusion of a bended surface
Pay attention to how you can use grid in 1-point perspective to make the surface flat, folded, or rippled.
3. In worksheet 2:
Follow the directions to create a grid in 1 point perspective.
You are now done with worksheets 1 and 2.
Create an illusion of depth with lines.
On worksheet 3:
Practice drawing straight receding lines. Start at the border, then draw a thin solid line to the vanishing point.
Use the same approach to draw "tiled" designs. You can practice drawing "free-hand".
On worksheet 4:
4. Carefully draw a "tiled" design that you just practiced.
Use a ruler!!!
On worksheet 3:
Practice drawing "folded" lines.
You can practice free-hand.
On worksheet 4:
5. Carefully draw a "bent" linear design that you just practiced.
Use a ruler!!!
On worksheet 3:
See how you can use straight lines and circles and create a 3D illusion just by spacing them differently.
On worksheet 4:
6. Complete the design to support the illusion by:
Use a ruler or free-hand!!!
On worksheet 4:
7. Complete the design to support the illusion by adding circles.
Use compass or free-hand.
Distortions.
On worksheet 5:
Practice drawing curved lines to create a unique 3-D illusion.
On worksheet 6:
8. Complete the design with curve distortions that you just practiced.
Free-hand.
On worksheet 5:
Practice drawing the popping ball. Please follow the instructions on the handout!
On worksheet 6:
9. Complete the design.
Free-hand.
Using only patterns or basic shapes - create a design with a 3-D quality or an optical illusion.
Start with sketching!
Experiment with perspective; use grids, shapes, and lines to create patterns and illusions.
Measurement, exactness, neatness, being precise are all necessary for a successful Op Art piece. You will be graded on these, and your overall image.
If you have a hard time starting the sketches - here is an example of how you can start.
Start with a grid...
Add perspective to one side (or a few), then start building the illusion of a 3-D.
Please, don't submit this idea as your sketch - use it as a starting point.
Choose the best idea for the execution. You might even want to combine a few of your ideas into the final design.
you can use multiple vanishing points; you can combine grids, shapes, and lines in your work; you can use ideas from the worksheets that you've done.
